Section
HOW TO CHECK HARD DISK FAILURE
STEP1
Once you get a hard disk for data recovery work, first of all, we have to check the physical condition of the hard disk Like the hard disk sticker, drive corners, top cover, or connection interface ( SATA / IDE). Maybe there is a physical issue like a physical broken connector or port broken.
STEP 2
After that connect the drive to the power source and check the rotation of the hard disk. Also, try to hear the mechanical sound. If there is no rotation in the hard disk there are two possibilities. First, There is PCB electrical failure in the hard disk or second, there is mechanical ( head stuck or motor jam) failure in the hard disk.
You can identify the mechanical failure problem using the sound detection method. In case of no power, follow step 3 and step 4 to know the solution.
If there is proper power or rotation in the hard disk then move to step 5.
STEP 3
If there is no rotation and you feel there is no mechanical failure in the hard disk, then it’s electrical ( PCB ) failure. We have to repair or replace the PCB of the hard disk. Please refer electronic failure data recovery module to learn PCB repairing and replacement.
NOTE: Before repairing/replacement of the PCB, make sure PCB is original.
STEP 4
If there is no rotation and If you feel there is a mechanical failure ( Head stuck or motor jam), we have to repair the mechanical failure of the hard disk. Please refer to mechanical failure data recovery training to learn how to solve mechanical problems.
NOTE: To open the top cover of the hard disk we always required a class 100 clean room or environment.do not open the top cover of the hard disk in a general room environment. This mistake can damage your media (HEAD and Platter).
PROBLEM 1 : hard disk has No power , there is no Rotation in hard disk
Often computer repairing and maintenance engineers may face the problem that, when they connect a hard disk to the power supply there is no power in the hard disk. Also, they did not feel the motor rotation vibration. Also, when they connect the damaged hard disk to the computer, the computer does not start. If the damaged hard disk is connected to an already working computer, the working computer also stops and shuts off instantly. The reason behind this issue is the shorting of PCB inside the Hard Disk.
So, in the case of no power condition, we suggest you check the electronic failure data recovery module in training.
In this session of Electronic Data Recovery Training, we discussed various reasons behind PCB damage, and the symptoms of damaged PCB, and will learn to repair the damaged PCB step-by-step. We will also study PCB models of different hard disks, and will also discuss their general faults.
Note: Many times, the head of the hard disk will get stuck onto the platter while spinning down. It won’t shift into the head parking area. This problem is called the head stuck problem. Whenever there’s an issue of the head getting stuck inside the hard disk, no rotation can be found in that hard disk. So before repairing and replacing of PCB, we also have to confirm the mechanical failure. Please refer to video number 2 “mechanical failure symptoms and sound detection method“ in the mechanical failure data recovery module.
PROBLEM 2 : Power is ok, Hard drive in No detection, clicking sound coming from the hard disk, After 15 to 20 seconds hard disk gets powered down.
Often computer repairing and maintenance engineers may face the problem that, when they connect a hard disk to the power supply there is proper power in the hard disk and also there is a clicking sound coming from the hard disk. but after 15 to 20 seconds the rotation has been stopped. And there is no sound coming from a hard drive.
Usually, this problem occurs due to a damaged head or bad PCB (PCB or ROM of that hard drive has been changed). If you are confirmed that the PCB is original, then it’s the mechanical Head (Reader) damage problem. And We have to replace the head in class 100 clean room.
You can also confirm the mechanical fault by using a sound detection method. Please refer mechanical failure data recovery module for further details.
PROBLEM 3 : Hard drive Power is ok, the Hard disk is in No detection condition, there is a continued clicking sound coming from the hard disk, and no power down after some seconds.
Often computer repairing and maintenance engineers may face the problem that, when they connect a hard disk to the power supply there is proper power in the hard disk and also there is a continuous slight (very low decimal level) clicking sound coming from the hard disk. The clicking sound remains the same until we do not disconnect the dive to the power source.
Usually, people think it’s a head damage issue but they didn’t check the PCB failure. This problem occurs due to the bad head (Head read/ write capacity has been down) or bad PCB (ROM of that hard drive has been changed, or there is any controller failure, or there is corrosion/ rust on the head contact). To solve this problem first we have to clean the corrosion or rust from the head and motor contacts. Also, we have to check the controller or IC heating level. If you are confirmed that the PCB is original, and there is no PCB damage then it’s the mechanical Head (Reader) damage problem. And We have to replace the head in class 100 clean room.
You can also confirm the mechanical fault by using a sound detection method. Please refer mechanical failure data recovery module for further details.